4th of July Tradition - Family Picnics and Fireworks

Family picnics are a great American tradition on the 4th of July, conjuring treasured childhood memories of delicious summer food, fun outdoor activities, spectacular fireworks displays and quality time with the people you love. Whether you're spending the 4th at a lake, the ocean, a park, or your own backyard, a family picnic is the perfect way to celebrate.

What better Fourth of July meal is there than classic BBQ? Barbecued chicken, ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie skewers, and corn on the cob are just a few options that you can cook on a grill for that coveted barbecue flavor. For those who'll be preparing their family meal in a place where a full-size grill is impractical, the Buccaneer Tailgating Cooler is the ideal solution. This convenient, practical tote incorporates a BBQ grill, 3-piece tool set and large insulated cooler compartment into one handy item. The padded strap and reinforced base ensure that it will be comfortable to carry, and extremely durable.

If you need a picnic set that's big enough for the whole family, the Sherwood Picnic Pack for 4 is just what you've been looking for. This elegant and unique picnic shoulder pack has an integrated wine storage section, a spacious insulated food and beverage compartment, cups, plates, utensils, cloth napkins and much more. It's very lightweight and easy to transport, and is available in your choice of hunter green with green tartan napkins or navy blue with burgundy plaid napkins.

Portable seating is a must for spreading out on grass or sand. A portable hammock is the ultimate in comfort, while the Portable Sports Chair (pictured) is a luxurious option with enough extras to make you want to stay seated all day long. It's lightweight, comes with its own carrying strap, and includes such amenities as padded armrests, spacious pockets, an extra-wide seat, an insulated water bottle holder and a fold-out side table.

If you're looking for some 4th of July recipes and meal ideas, check out FoodNetwork.com's special holiday feature. You can search for recipes by region (including New England, The Heartland, Southern Comfort and more) and enjoy some helpful how-to videos, such as how to bake peach shortcake or stir up some clam chowder.